Holy Family Icon

Copies of the laminated image of the Holy Family Icon are available in the church on the weekend of December 16th/17th.. We ask that every family will take one, together with a page explaining the image and the purpose of this project. We hope the Icon will inspire family prayer.

The icon of the Holy Family was commissioned by WMOF 2018, designed by iconographer Mihai Cucu, and painted by the Sisters of the Monastery of St. Alphonsus, Iona Road.

Pope Francis encourages us to look at the icon of the Holy Family. When we look on it with reverence, we are praying. We are letting God speak to us through the images.

The icon takes the form of a triptych. It looks a bit like a house with double doors. On the outside of these doors are the angels Michael on the left, and Gabriel on the right. They represent God's desire to protect us, our homes and our families. On the base is the inscription Amoris Laetitia, “The Joy of Love”, Pope Francis’ letter on love in the family.

Opening the doors of the icon, we see in the centre the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, gathered around a table. They are sharing the Passover meal, remembering God's goodness. This scene is very similar to the famous 15th century icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev. This draws a link between God and the family. The family is the place where the love of God is experienced through the love we have for one another.

Flanking the Holy Family are two Gospel stories: the Raising of Jairus’ Daughter and the Wedding Feast of Cana. They show Jesus’ compassion and concern for marriage and for those living with the burdens of family life.

On the back of the card is the official Family Prayer for the World Meeting of Families 2018. Families are invited to say this prayer.